CAR reader's guide to Brussels motor show 2010

CAR Online reader greamedykes submits his brief report on the 2010 European Motor Show Brussels.

The 88th European Motor Show Brussels took place at the Brussels Expo between the 14th and 24th of January. During this period, 606,000 visitors viewed the latest offerings from the car industry. Concept cars, ECO-variants, family cars, luxury saloons, SUVs and supercars – all were represented at the show.

On the Renault stand were both the ZOE (zero emissions) and Fluence concepts. A full size model illustrated how the Fluence might exchange a depleted battery for a fully charged one at a dedicated station.

BMW continued to develop its EfficientDynamics range, displaying the 320d. Elsewhere on the stand, the new 5-series GT attracted mixed responses.

The Audi R8 would always turn heads and the new roadster will further broaden its appeal. There was also the opportunity to view the new A8 in its new glory. The new Jaguar XJ and the latest Mercedes E-class provided alternatives.

The much debated Porsche Panamera was joined on the stand by several 911s and the new Boxster Spyder. In competition, the Rapide joined a DBS Volante and V12 Vantage over at the Aston Martin stand. This latest evolution of the AM styling was more appealing than some of its rivals.

On the Rolls Royce stand, the Ghost joined the Phantom and the Phantom Drophead Coupé. This may be the baby Rolls but it loses none of its presence.

The new models in the Mini range have been revealed already in CAR, but here was the chance to get close to the roadster and the coupe concepts.

On the Ford stand, the new Galaxy and C-Max had been revealed and the tagline "Made in Belgium" was on prominent display. Given the news that Opel would close its facility in Antwerp, one might expect some level of boycott, however, there remained plenty of interest in the new Astra and the Ampera.

Flying the flag for the UK, the Lotus Elise, Exige and 2-11 were joined by a pair of Evoras.

No trip to a Motor show would be complete without a visit to the Ferrari stand. Boasting a pair of Californias, the 599 Fiorano, the 612 Scaglietti and of course the new 458 Italia, the stand at Brussels was a feast for the eyes.

Hard to top that line-up? How about a Mercedes McLaren SLR Stirling Moss?

By graemedykes